Everything Jon Scheyer Said After Duke Blue Devils Men’s Basketball Beat Alabama Crimson Tide to Advance to the Final Four
Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer stood at the podium late Saturday night, his voice cracking with emotion, as he reflected on his team’s dominant 85-65 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Elite Eight. The win secured Duke’s first Final Four berth since 2022 and the 18th in program history, cementing Scheyer’s legacy as the successor to Mike Krzyzewski who is now just two wins away from delivering a national title in his second season at the helm. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Scheyer’s postgame remarks, capturing his pride in the team’s performance, his strategic insights, and his vision for what lies ahead.
On the Historic Win and Emotional Journey
Scheyer opened with raw gratitude, emphasizing the significance of the moment for his players and the Duke community. “This is why you come to Duke,” he said. “To play in games like this, to have a chance to make history. These guys have worked tirelessly, and to see it pay off in this way… I’m just so proud.” He acknowledged the pressure of following Krzyzewski, admitting, “Coach K set the standard. But tonight isn’t about me or him—it’s about these players buying into something bigger than themselves.”
When asked about the emotional weight of reaching the Final Four, Scheyer credited his team’s resilience. “We’ve had our bumps this season. People doubted us early. But this group never fractured. They trusted each other, trusted the process, and tonight, you saw what happens when you do that.”
On Duke’s Offensive Execution
Duke’s 85-point outburst came against an Alabama team that ranked among the nation’s fastest-paced offenses, but Scheyer highlighted his team’s poise and unselfishness. “We knew Alabama wanted to turn this into a track meet. Our message was: Control the tempo. When we’re patient, when we move the ball, we’re as good as anyone.”
The Blue Devils shot 54% from the field and dished out 19 assists, a stat Scheyer called “the key to the game.” He praised sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor, who finished with 18 points and seven assists: “Tyrese was phenomenal. He’s grown so much as a leader. His ability to read defenses, make the right pass—that’s what separates us.”
Scheyer also singled out freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, who posted a double-double (22 points, 12 rebounds). “Cooper’s a warrior. He’s got that ‘it’ factor. When the moment’s biggest, he’s at his best. But what I love is he doesn’t care about stats—he cares about winning.”
On the Defensive Game Plan
While Duke’s offense dazzled, Scheyer insisted the victory was rooted in defense. Alabama, which averaged 90 points per game, was held to a season-low 65. “We knew their guards could explode, so we focused on staying connected,” Scheyer said. “No easy threes, no transition buckets. Make them work for everything.”
He specifically credited graduate transfer Ryan Young, whose physicality disrupted Alabama’s All-SEC forward Grant Nelson. “Ryan doesn’t get the headlines, but he’s the backbone of our defense. His communication, his toughness—he set the tone.”
Scheyer also praised the versatility of forward Mark Mitchell, who guarded multiple positions. “Mark’s a Swiss Army knife. He can switch onto anyone, and tonight, he made life miserable for their wings. That’s Duke basketball—defense travels.”
On Adjustments at Halftime
Duke led 42-35 at halftime, but Scheyer noted the team’s locker-room focus. “We felt like we left some plays out there. Our turnovers [eight in the first half] were keeping them alive. The message was simple: Value the ball. Trust your shot.”
The Blue Devils responded with a 20-6 run to start the second half, burying Alabama under a barrage of three-pointers and transition dunks. “That stretch was us at our best,” Scheyer said. “We didn’t settle. We attacked the rim, kicked out for open threes, and locked in defensively. When we play with that edge, we’re tough to beat.”
On the Leadership of Jeremy Roach
Senior captain Jeremy Roach, playing in his third Elite Eight, delivered a steadying 16 points and five assists. Scheyer called him “the heart and soul of this team.” “Jeremy’s been through it all—injuries, losses, criticism. But he never wavers. His calmness rubs off on everyone. When things got hectic, he’s the one saying, ‘We’re good. Next play.’”
Roach’s journey—from a reserve role on Krzyzewski’s final Final Four team to the leader of Scheyer’s first—resonated deeply with his coach. “He’s the bridge between eras. His legacy here is already cemented, but he wants more. And I’m not betting against him.”
On the Freshmen’s Maturity
Duke’s freshman class—Flagg, guard Isaiah Evans, and center Khaman Maluach—combined for 42 points, but Scheyer emphasized their growth beyond the box score. “People forget these guys are 18, 19 years old. The stage doesn’t faze them. Cooper [Flagg] demanded the ball in the post against double-teams. Isaiah hit two huge threes when they cut the lead. Khaman protected the rim like a veteran.”
He added, “They’ve embraced the work. They don’t act entitled. They’re hungry to learn, and that’s why they’re thriving in March.”
On Facing UConn in the Final Four
Duke’s next challenge is the defending champion UConn Huskies, who demolished Illinois in their Elite Eight matchup. Scheyer acknowledged the tall task but radiated confidence. “UConn’s a machine. They’re well-coached, they’ve got NBA talent, and they play with a chip. But we’re not scared. We’ve prepared for this all year.”
He hinted at potential adjustments, particularly in containing Huskies star Donovan Clingan. “We’ll need everyone rebounding. They’re big, physical, but we’ve got depth. It’ll come down to who executes better for 40 minutes.”
When asked about the pressure of facing a dynasty, Scheyer smirked. “Pressure? We’re Duke. Pressure is a privilege. These guys live for these moments.”
On the Duke Brotherhood and Fan Support
Scheyer closed by thanking the Duke fanbase, which packed the American Airlines Center in Dallas. “The Crazies traveled like crazy. Hearing ‘Let’s Go Duke!’ in an opponent’s backyard—that’s special. Our guys feed off that energy.”
He also reflected on the program’s culture. “The Brotherhood isn’t a slogan. It’s real. The texts I’ve gotten from former players—JJ Redick, Jayson Tatum, Coach K—it’s humbling. We’re carrying the torch for everyone who built this.”
Final Thoughts
As Scheyer left the podium, he offered one last message: “This isn’t the end. We’re not satisfied. But tonight, we’ll enjoy it. These guys earned it.”
With the Final Four looming, Duke’s young core, guided by Scheyer’s steady hand, appears poised to chase history. Their emphatic win over Alabama wasn’t just a statement—it was a reminder that the Blue Devils, under their new leader, remain a perennial force. And for Scheyer, the coach who once starred as a Duke guard, this moment is the culmination of a lifetime spent bleeding blue.
“We’re not done yet,” he said. “The best is still ahead.”
